Philip Shaw took a start to finish win on last Sunday’s Magherafelt MC Davagh Rally driving his Mk2 Escort. Comparative newcomer to the sport Keith McIvor was 2^nd in an Evo 5, with Johnny McKenna 3^rd in his Mk2 Escort.

The 4^th/5^th May Killarney Rally of the Lakes, round 2 of the Tarmac Championship, is attracting entries from most of the top Irish drivers. These include Derek McGarrity, Daniel Doherty and Eamonn Boland in their Impreza WRC’s, although not as yet Andrew Nesbitt. The event is also due to have a startling array of GpB machinery running at the front of the field in a deal put together by Reinhard Klein. The cars range from 2 ex works Peugeot T16’s, through several Quattro Sports, one of which is to be driven by Billy Coleman, two RS200’s, an ex Vic Elford Mazda and an ex-Blomqvist Sunbeam Lotus.

Killybegs man Stuart Darcy had his new Puma Super 1600 at a reception in Dublin on Monday to launch this year’s Billy Coleman Award scheme. One major change this year is that drivers will have to register. Current Coleman Award holder Darcy plans to tackle the Super 1600 section on this year’s British Championship, starting with the Pirelli.

Kevin O’Kane maintained his lead in the KBB Doors Southern Forestry series by dint of his second place on the 3^rd round in Wicklow last Sunday. O’Kane’s points tally is 51, with Eugene Donnelly 2^nd on 41 and Eddie Kinirons 3^rd with 30.

Donegal Motor Club has announced that Tom Higgins will be the new Clerk of the Course for the 21^st –23^rd June Letterkenny based Donegal International. The club is also running a new clubman stage rally on the 28^th April at Gweedore, with Liam Duffy acting as C of C.

Sadly, as we went to press, we have learned of the death of Dick Bailey in an accident at Inishioge Hillclimb. Dick was a long time rally competitor who was also very much involved in the organisation of the Wexford Rally. Reportedly Dick was competing in his Drax single seater and collided with a bridge parapet. He was always the most amenable of men. He competed in a variety of cars, often something out of the ordinary, and also worked hard for rallying, taking time off from his butchery business to help with events. To his family, and many friends, we offer our deepest condolences.

Brian Patterson.